Bosnia arms smuggling investigation links criminal networks to Iran

An investigation by the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, supported by Europol, has uncovered a major arms smuggling operation allegedly linked to Iranian interests and criminal networks in Sweden.

During raids conducted on September 23, authorities seized nine hunting rifles, five pistols, approximately 190 rounds of ammunition, and significant documentation related to weapon permits. Investigators suspect that some of the seized documents were falsified to facilitate the illegal purchase, possession, and sale of firearms.

The investigation led to the arrest of a police official from the Ilijas Police Directorate, who was responsible for issuing weapon permits. During the operation, the official reportedly obtained a pistol within the police premises and committed suicide; he died in the hospital the following day. He is suspected of abusing his position to facilitate the illegal market by using permits for residents of the Ilijas area to purchase weapons from companies in Bratunac and Doboj.

Unofficial reports suggest the smuggled weapons were destined for the ‘Foxtrot’ criminal network in Sweden, led by Rawa Majid, which is allegedly connected to Iranian operations in Europe. Another suspected smuggling channel involved Dino Muzaferovic, who is currently in pre-trial detention in Slovenia.